The Premier League has been awarded a new High Court order for the 2017-18 season to allow it to block pirated streams of matches via Kodi set-top boxes.

In March, the High Court had approved a Premier League application to block the computer servers that power the illegal streams, rather than just individual streams, and has granted a new order for the coming campaign.

The BBC reports that the previous order “saw more than 5,000 server IP addresses blocked that had previously been streaming Premier League content” over the final two months of last season.

Kodi boxes, popular in Britain, can be used to access the pirated material and people have been arrested for selling boxes that are modified to allow users to do so.

Premier League director of legal services Kevin Plumb said: “This blocking Order is a game-changer in our efforts to tackle the supply and use of illicit streams of our content.

“It will allow us to quickly and effectively block and disrupt the illegal broadcast of Premier League football via any means, including so called ‘pre-loaded Kodi boxes.’

“The protection of our copyright, and the investment made by our broadcast partners, is hugely important to the Premier League and the future health of English football.

“The ability that clubs have to develop and acquire talented players, to build and improve stadiums, and to support communities and schools is all predicated on being able to market, sell and protect commercial rights.

“We are pleased the Courts have recognised this with the granting of this significant blocking Order.”